Brienzer Rothorn – Lucerne’s highest peak

The mountain is part of the Emmental Alps and stands on the border of the cantons of Lucerne, Obwalden and Bern. At an altitude of 2,351 metres, it towers above all the other Lucerne peaks and makes a great destination for day trips any time of year.

The Rothorn can be ascended all year round by taking the aerial cableway from Sörenberg to Schönenboden. The panoramic views at the top are spectacular. If you look towards the Lake Lucerne Region, you see the Pilatus, Rigi and Titlis. Look westwards and you will spot the Chasseral in the Jura, while the Bernese Alps with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau massif are to the east. With a little luck you will come across ibex, chamois and the local birdlife.

Letting off clouds of steam, the Brienz Rothorn Railway chugs its leisurely way from Brienz in the Bernese Oberland to the top terminus. Switzerland’s sole steam-powered cogwheel railway in daily operation has been delighting visitors from near and far since 1892. Climb aboard and admire the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, the meadows and the rugged mountain chains during the steep ride. The Brienz Rothorn Railway runs from mid May to the end of October.

Sörenberg and the surrounding region are located in Switzerland’s only UNESCO biosphere reserve. Offering educational and tourism opportunities close to nature, the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch is seen as a model region for sustainable living and economic activity. Activities provided include lama trekking, the Mooraculum play park with activity stations explaining the moor landscape, and Stucki Trekking, which offers horse riding through the wild biosphere reserve or individually themed group outings focused on the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch.

The Rothorn summit restaurant is on the Lucerne side, next to the upper terminus of the Sörenberg cableway. The large terrace and temporary exhibitions in the rooms below the restaurant are well worth a visit. Visitors arriving from the Bernese side encounter the Berghaus Kulm at the upper terminus. In the evening, the hotel serves set menus (for half-board guests) and à-la-carte dishes accompanied by choice wines. After enjoying the romance of the evening atmosphere and star-studded sky, you will get a good night’s sleep in the variously priced guest rooms. Several other restaurants also offer a place to stay, accompanied by good food and drink in the perfect ambience.